Participatory Budgeting in NYC District 39

Real Money. Real Projects. Real Power.

Spread This Idea

Where

5th Avenue between 17th and 18th St.

My project idea is...

Renovate the space on 5th Ave. where the Associate Market and Open Source Gallery burned down a few years ago as a community space.

So that people could...

The new space could be a community center for people to rent out to have events, for afterschool programs, or even just a space for young people to hang out and do work. There could be a space with computers where teenagers could teach adults or the elderly how to use computers.

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Comments

Heidi (Oct 2 2012)

I love this idea! I live in the neighborhood, and have seen how Open Source has transformed the area into a tight knit community. It would be so wonderful to have the former space serve as a community center. I think this idea would bring in people from more diverse backgrounds, and for all ages. I have seen Open Source many times try to cater events for a wider range of people from different backgrounds and ages. Transforming the old space into a community center would do just that.

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Charlotte (Oct 2 2012)

It would be great to have a space in the neighborhood both for teenagers and for rental for community events or workshops. Our neighborhood is getting it's fair share of bars, coffeshops and restaurants but there isn't really a place where teenagers can spend time. Also, there are multiple middle schools right around the corner so I believe it could definitely serve a purpose.

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Alise loebelsohn (Oct 2 2012)

Every time I pass the space there is an art event, a show or kids working on projects, interacting in a healthy and welcoming way. There is a very creative vibe where everybody feels comfortable. With the closing of our local park for renovation. Open source is a wonderful alternative and with a little funding it will be great

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Gesa (Oct 2 2012)

I love that we still have all different generations represented in this neighborhood. It would be wonderful to have a community space which allows, organizes and enables the different ages to create and live together! We have good gastronomy but something like this is certainly missing and could be so beneficial!

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Nancy (Oct 3 2012)

This area has a strong community feel despite (or because of) disparate demographics. I believe the suggested center would thrive and could be a model for community-building elsewhere.

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Anna (Oct 3 2012)

Excellent idea! Much needed.

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Rachel Minter (Oct 3 2012)

This is a great idea. I'm particularly enthused about a space that could be used as a community center with resources for teens, because there is a total dearth of anything like that around here.+

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Martha (Oct 3 2012)

Amen! Teens really need a safe, comunity-based place to congregate after school to socialize, do homework, and work collaboratively on creative projects. Physical activity opportunities are needed, too. There is very little available for kids past elementary-school age that is free or low-cost.

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Emma (Oct 3 2012)

This is a terrific idea. Open Source is a lovely space that has been a great part of the community, and having a real community center where young people could go after school would be wonderful for the neighborhood.

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Becky (Oct 4 2012)

This is a great idea. The neighborhood could benefit from such a place.

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Liz Armstrong (Oct 4 2012)

I love this idea and I would be willing to volunteer some of my time to make it happen!

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Colleen (Oct 5 2012)

Great idea. I, too, am willing to volunteer some time.

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Sara (Oct 6 2012)

As a neighbor, I fully support this idea. It would be great to transform this vacant building in a way that would enrich the local community. And I believe the organization that is in the best position to make this happen is Open Source, a local non-profit art space. After the above-mentioned fire which destroyed the original gallery, Open Source persevered, coordinating art events in the area even while homeless, and re-opening down the block less than a year later. Open Source continues to present fantastic community events that tie together artists, kids and neighbors such as the annual soap box derby. However, their current space is very small. I would love to see them be able to expand, building a community center for teens and/or seniors in their old location. It would contribute positively to the cultural awareness, safety and well-being of the neighborhood!

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Greg (Oct 9 2012)

I live on the block and think this is a tremendous idea and a perfect fit for this neighborhood. There is frequently a community component to Open Source’s work, with a level of engagement that extends beyond the four walls of the physical space. A community center would be the next logical step in this mission. I find the focus on teens particularly appealing – as this neighborhood has evolved over the last decade a dedicated location for teens is a noticeable gap. And the idea of interaction between the teens and the elderly is a perfect illustration of the multiple ways this facility could define itself. I support this project whole-heartedly.